I'm a 12 year old girl who wants to get a horse. Yes, I understand the responsibilities that go along with having a horse. I sometimes help my friends with their horses. I've taken some lessons, but I'm still a pretty green rider. I'd prefer to ride English, but getting a horse is my "mane" priority (pardon my horsey pun!). Do you have a suggestion of what breeds to consider as I'm looking for a horse? All I know is that it should be well trained, good with kids, and maybe a bit older?
Thanks.
2006-12-04 10:38:18 · 13 answers · asked by Leni 3 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
I think the breed is a lot less important than the temperament of the horse. You are right in wanting one that is older and well trained and good with kids. As far as breeds go, that to some extent depends on what you want to do with your horse. If you ride saddle seat then a quarter horse is not suitable. If you ride English or Western then a QH might be good. A lot depends on the confirmation of the horse, or how it's put together. If you ride English, Connemara ponies tend to be very nice, even younger ones in disposition. They are gentle and not too nuts most of the time. Also look into getting a cross. Sometimes a cross can be a lot nice that a purebred as far as suitability goes. When you do go horse shopping, speak with a very experienced horse person and bring them with you to look at the horse. Before you buy make sure you have the vet check the horse for overall health. You wouldn't want to find out that you had just purchased a horse that could almost never be ridden. Good Luck!
2006-12-08 15:13:44 · answer #1 · answered by ilovesubasketball 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I suggest a Paint or Quarter Horse. They are naturally a calmer horse that can do many disciplines. I dont suggest an older horse and when I say older I mean like over 16 since as they increase in age so do some medical problems even though I know some very healthy 20 yr olds. Try to find something around 8..this will give you many yrs of enjoyment. Just remember its not always the age either. I have a 4 yr old right now that my kids ride. Actually anyone could ride her..so its more on the particular horse and how you get along w/that horse. Good luck and how exciting for you.
2006-12-04 22:39:58 · answer #2 · answered by Ivory_Flame 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Like you said, an older horse that is gentle is what you need. Geldings are usually best in temperment, so I'd suggest a gelding. Be wary of "Horse Sales" at auction. You never really know what you're getting. Horses are sometimes doped up before a sale. Ride before you buy and pick up his feet, that's a good way to see how he trusts and it's important that you don't have to fight him on that too. Have an experienced person ride the horse to test for dangerous habits. Walk away from any horse that is a runaway, rears or bucks. It's not worth the hassle and risk for a beginner.
2006-12-06 16:31:12 · answer #3 · answered by Mary G 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I love Morgans. They are very versatile and every one that I have known (which is a lot) have loved kids. As far as the well trained and maybe a little bit older, that depends on the horse not really the breed. I would definitely get a gelding if I were you, although a well trained, older gelding might be kind of hard to come by unless you don't have a small budget.
Maybe you can try leasing a horse first and see if there is one that will work out for you.
Good luck and welcome to the horse owner world if you get there!
2006-12-04 18:46:34 · answer #4 · answered by msnite1969 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Call your local large animal vets - breed is not as important as a calm, tractable horse. Many times people tell their vets when they are looking to sell or even give away a horse to a good home. I learned this when I worked for vets. Good luck!
2006-12-04 18:45:28 · answer #5 · answered by mustanglynnie 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You answered your question yourself. Look for a well trained horse that is gentle and good with kids. Ask any worker where you ride for information about good horses for sale.
2006-12-04 18:44:02 · answer #6 · answered by nancymomkids 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think a Black Tennesse Walker would be a great horse to have Gelding are more gentler And I have had all good luck with a black horse Hope you find a good one
2006-12-05 16:16:40 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I ride too! Morgan horses rock!!!! I am 13 and ride english I am jumping around 3'9 all on my Morhan. Morgans rock cuz they are super sweet!! GOOD LUCK!!
2006-12-04 18:46:07 · answer #8 · answered by Look great Hunting it! 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Do you have the money. I hope cause i don't want the poor thing to suffer. I'm 11 and i have lots of horses but i have lots of money(not to brag). Maybe a paint horse.
2006-12-04 18:42:42 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 3⤋
umm either a morgan or a racking horse
2006-12-04 21:10:37 · answer #10 · answered by Gilley Y 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋